is an importer/exporter considered self employed?

I live here in the Us and my partner lives in the UK, we are thinking of starting an importing and exporting business and i got question about how do i get paid and whether or not i pay fed and state taxes on my earnings, would i be considered self employed? The exporting part confuses me as i am importing good from china not exporting... anyone got advice? ADD-- i am in no way trying to hide from paying taxes.. just curious.